Maren Gotchnik

Maren Gotchnik is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Austria.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

The best cultural experience I had on the program was simply being able to speak the language. I realized that after I came back to the states that not hearing german being spoken was odd, and I missed it. My german skills improved which built my confidence to speak to native speakers and really be able to blend in with their culture. I stayed with a host family in Ulm, Germany and there was no English spoken the entire time I stayed with them. That will forever have a lasting impression because I realized that I was not a tourist in a foreign country but I can identify myself with Germany and Austria and feel at home. I am already looking forward to going back.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

I chose the Austria program because I am a German major, my great-grandfather is from Austria, and while traveling to Europe in High School, I fell in love with the Germany/Austria areas. I specifically chose Austria because I wanted to further my german language skills and knowledge of its culture and history.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

The most amazing experience I have had in my life thus far.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

Before I went on the trip, I felt that I was fairly cultured because I had traveled to Europe twice before. I believe when you are a tourist, you carry your culture no matter where you go because your time is limited and you do not have to put yourself into that position of culture shock. Living in Austria made me realize that I would always be an American and a student here at St. Ben's and St. John's, but I was able to adapt to their culture and consider myself to be an Austrian as well. I have felt more open- minded to their political systems and the way their government is run. Being able to live in another country gave me another perspective of how others live as well as how they view us as Americans in our culture.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Embrace your time that you have in your country as well as with the people on your program. It will never be the same experience if you happen to go back some day. Traveling is always amazing but really learn to appreciate and travel around the country in which you are living. Specifically if you are on a language program, I think it is important to see cities in the native speaking countries because that is why you are there, to learn the language and culture.